Heartbreak as last-second call costs Aussies

The Opals' hopes of reaching the knockout stages successful Tokyo person been dealt a devastating stroke aft a heartbreaking nonaccomplishment against China.

After going into the last 4th successful an eight-point hole, a spirited fightback from Australia saw Jenna O'Hea necktie the scores astatine 74 with conscionable 2.1 seconds left.

OLYMPICS BLOG: LATEST UPDATES, NEWS | TOKYO GAMES EVENT CENTRE: SCHEDULE, RESULTS, MEDAL TALLY

However, aft China took a timeout, Li Yueru was fouled nether the handbasket with 0.6 seconds near successful what looked to beryllium a precocious and arguable call. She calmly slotted some escaped throws to springiness China a 76-74 win.

O'Hea kept Australia live successful the last 4th 2 of her 3 triples successful the last infinitesimal of play, but her shooting heroics were incapable to rescue the Opals.

Leilani Mitchell of Team Australia drives past Siyu Wang of Team China astatine the Tokyo Olympics. (Getty)

Ezi Magbegor led Australia with 15 points and 4 rebounds, portion Wang Siyu was unstoppable for China with 20 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists.

The Aussies mislaid WNBA prima Stephanie Talbot successful the 3rd quarter, aft she appeared to aggravate a ft injury.

Former Opal Tully Bevilaqua spoke for galore erstwhile she Tweeted: "Had to locomotion it disconnected ... americium wholly gutted for the Opals!! To beryllium decided connected that telephone truthful tough!! Proud of this team!!"

The nonaccomplishment leaves Australia needing a steadfast triumph implicit Puerto Rico successful its last radical signifier lucifer if it is to beforehand to the quarter-finals.

With an 0-2 grounds and a constituent differential of -17, the Opals indispensable inflict a dense decision connected Puerto Rico successful bid to suffice arsenic 1 of the 8 teams into the adjacent round.

For a regular dose of the champion of the breaking quality and exclusive contented from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!